CVE-2022-41584 in HarmonyOS
Summary
by MITRE • 10/14/2022
The kernel module has an out-of-bounds read vulnerability.Successful exploitation of this vulnerability may cause memory overwriting.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/14/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2022-41584 represents a critical out-of-bounds read flaw within a kernel module component that fundamentally compromises system integrity and memory safety. This type of vulnerability typically arises when a kernel module fails to properly validate array indices or buffer boundaries during memory operations, creating opportunities for unauthorized memory access patterns that can extend beyond intended data structures. The issue manifests specifically within kernel space operations where memory management routines lack adequate bounds checking mechanisms, potentially allowing malicious actors to traverse memory regions beyond allocated buffers.
The technical implementation of this vulnerability demonstrates a classic buffer over-read condition that occurs when kernel code attempts to read memory locations that extend beyond the boundaries of allocated data structures. Such flaws often stem from insufficient input validation within kernel modules that process user-supplied data or configuration parameters. When the kernel module executes operations that assume fixed buffer sizes or predictable memory layouts, attackers can manipulate input data to force memory access patterns that exceed legitimate buffer limits. This particular vulnerability falls under the CWE-129 category of Improper Validation of Array Index, which specifically addresses the failure to validate array indices before use in memory operations.
From an operational perspective, successful exploitation of this out-of-bounds read vulnerability can lead to severe consequences including memory overwriting, system instability, and potential privilege escalation opportunities. The memory overwriting aspect represents a particularly dangerous outcome since it can corrupt critical kernel data structures, modify execution flow, or overwrite sensitive memory regions that contain security-related information. Attackers leveraging this vulnerability may be able to manipulate kernel memory contents to gain elevated privileges, bypass security controls, or even execute arbitrary code within kernel space. The impact extends beyond simple memory corruption as the vulnerability can potentially enable attackers to access or modify critical system resources that should remain protected from unauthorized access.
The attack surface for this vulnerability is particularly concerning given that kernel modules operate with the highest privilege levels on a system, making exploitation potentially devastating for overall system security. According to ATT&CK framework category T1068, this vulnerability could enable privilege escalation techniques that allow attackers to gain root access or administrative privileges, while T1547.001 covers the potential for persistence mechanisms that could be established through memory corruption. The exploitation requires minimal user interaction since kernel modules typically execute automatically during system boot or when specific hardware events occur, making this vulnerability particularly stealthy and dangerous.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2022-41584 should focus on immediate patch deployment from vendors, along with comprehensive system hardening measures. Kernel module updates should be prioritized and deployed immediately to address the underlying bounds checking deficiencies that permit out-of-bounds memory access. System administrators should implement monitoring solutions to detect anomalous memory access patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts, while also applying kernel hardening techniques such as stack canaries, address space layout randomization, and kernel address space protection mechanisms. Regular security assessments should verify that no unauthorized modifications have occurred to kernel modules and that system memory integrity remains intact. The vulnerability underscores the critical importance of maintaining up-to-date kernel components and implementing robust security controls that protect against memory safety issues in privileged execution contexts.